Parent Controls: filtering, monitoring, etc.

**astevezimm** · 05-29-2008, 06:53 PM

I was disappointed when I didn't see anything like this in the top 50. I suppose it's possible that one of the four who are kept confidential might be working on a solution, but whatever the case, this is a vital application. As excited as I am for what an amazing piece of technology Android is going to be, it will introduce some significant challenges to parents of the future or rather significantly magnify the problems that already exist with internet technology, cell phones, etc.

I do appreciate some of the application that are being worked on such as FreeFamilyWatch and LifeAware which effectively tackles a portion of the problem, but there are still a lot of work to be done to make the world of Android safer for the younger crowd. This is not an easy problem (Filters and that are tough applications to implement and impossible to make bullet proof), but this is an absolutely vital problem.

**astevezimm** · 06-28-2008, 10:44 AM

It'd be nice to have a REAL human being respond to my post.

No matter. Anyway, through experiences I had this past month after posting, I'm persuaded more than ever that filters are useless. It's not so much flaws with technology as it is a flaw with the whole paradigm they are based on. If someone wants sleazy trash, they'll find a way to get to it. To them, the filter is the obnoxious little nazi that stands in their way that they need to find some way to bypass. It is even seen as an interesting challenge to do so with the reward of feeling clever that you're smarter than the system.

A solution more down the lines of monitoring, therefore, is what is needed for android. Something that gives more of a sense of accountability. Something more like Covenant Eyes which can be found here. This is what needs to be developed for Android.

I want hear what others think about all this. Let me know that I'm not the only Android enthusiast that gives a crap!

**dontlookatme** · 09-23-2008, 01:26 PM

No you're not, and I agree. We need parental controls on this device. I always found ways around them in school, but it's still at least a road block to get to them.

**astevezimm** · 09-26-2008, 04:49 PM

Thanks for the post, dontlookatme. I think I was a bit rash accusing people for not giving a crap.

Anyways, I'm hoping that with the launch of the Android market maybe we'll find out more about solutions developers may be working on. Speaking of the Android market, I don't know how hard this would be, but for a filter to really be useful, it should filter apps in the market deemed inappropriate.

Also, I've been more and more impressed with Covenant Eyes as I've been using it on my work computer. I learned that they're beta testing a Windows mobile version. Let's hope for something for Android.

**punkzanyj** · 10-03-2008, 11:46 AM

I'm more of the opinion that this isn't a phone for children. I understand that some parents want their kids to be able to have bragging rights and all that, but I fail to see how a teenager needs a 3G connection or a smartphone.

If I had a teen, they'd have a basic cellphone that's locked so that they can't go over their minutes or text limit, and can't call anyone else except school, the authorities and family members. You don't need parental controls when you just take control and put your own limits on things.

**astevezimm** · 10-03-2008, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by punkzanyj

I'm more of the opinion that this isn't a phone for children. I understand that some parents want their kids to be able to have bragging rights and all that, but I fail to see how a teenager needs a 3G connection or a smartphone.

If I had a teen, they'd have a basic cellphone that's locked so that they can't go over their minutes or text limit, and can't call anyone else except school, the authorities and family members. You don't need parental controls when you just take control and put your own limits on things.

You definitely have a point. I think I would be the same way with my kids. For parents who see things differently and like their kids to have bragging rights spoiling them to the bone, this would be a needed application. My concern, however, is not limited to minors. There's a lot of grown ups out there, as well, lacking in self control and accountability that an application like this could benefit.

In fact, to be truly honest

, my motivation for wanting android to have something like this available is entirely selfish. I'm dying to have an android phone. There's so much awesome about it, but I just simply don't know if I can trust myself with one. Hope this is not TMI.

**Wolfie** · 10-03-2008, 12:38 PM

I agree with everything that's been said on this one.

I would love to see some protective countermeasures implemented so that for those who want their children to be able to experience the wonders new tech has to offer can do so; while at the same time protecting them. The availability would be really nice and there is no doubt in my mind that it will be taken care of - either at the start of, through 3rd party apps or updates. It's not about bragging rights IMHO but more along the lines that you want to expose the young minds to the advent of technology and this new way of thinking all together. I'm not saying you want your 16 year old daughter/son to have the new camaro or electric car, iPhone, or Mac. The G1/Android is new tech and is half the price of the T-Mobile Wing when it came out, but it also comes with a new approach - open source code that is, for now, free. Could very well be the paradigm shift of the century for mobile communication.

With the G1 already at a crazy deal w/o promotions plus Android, you have more freedom to customize, limit, and restrict. I see it as being open to any group of consumer on the market, limitation and protection should be child's play - no pun intended.

**VikingDave** · 10-03-2008, 12:43 PM

I agree wholeheartedly. I am neither weak-minded nor do I lack self-discipline, but having an always on internet everywhere I go means there will be times when accountability would be a good thing. I actually see it as a measure of self-discipline to purposely install a program that would allow for that accountability. Having one available in the market would be a great thing.

**missxoash** · 10-03-2008, 01:34 PM

The way I see it, is if someone wants to see things on their phone or computer or wherever, they will. It doesn't matter how many road blocks you put in front of them or how many different ways you try to stop them. It's more important, in my opinion, to teach kids right and wrong and hopefully they won't want to...

Just my two cents.

**jgoldy15** · 10-03-2008, 01:53 PM

Kids will be kids. In today's world, I bet you that some of them may write an app that can bypass any filtering app. Both of my children are very computer savvy (ages 9 and 11). They are not glued to the computer by any means but they find it more entertaining then any gaming console. That works for me as I can limit their online time for discipline reasons. My oldest knows what the history/cache/cookies is and how they can be cleaned out. I set up filtering on my router and blocked her favorite sites and she simply hard wired the laptop directly to the modem and bypassed the filtering that I set up! I was very impressed, however I had to keep a straight face and extend her punishment. All in all, kids will find a way!